05/08/2026
Ana Maria: the Power of Antiretroviral medications.
The Yellow Plastic Sun and Moon Mark the rhythm of my Life.
Twice a day, Morning and Night, I take two tablets that have Saved My Life.
This is how Ana Maria tells her Story. Today She's an activist in the DREAM Programme in Mozambique of the Sant' Egidio Community.
I began Feeling Sick in 2001. I was very ill but I didn't understand what was wrong. My Mother had already taken me to the hospital Countless times.
In the end I was Brought here to Sant' Egidio in 2002. They gave me the HIV test and Found I was Positive.
It was a Shock. My Husband Left me and I was Left alone with three Youngest children and Death waiting on the Door Step, Ana Maria recalled, Looking back.
It was a time that Left me deeply affected. The Path to tread was not easy.
I weighed 29 kilos, a Shadow of a Woman ,in tatters.
Nobody bought my vegetables anymore or the traditional drinks that I brewed.
People pointed their fingers and told everyone not to buy from me because I had AIDS.
My Children couldn't go to watch television in their neighbours house. People danced outside of My house, Singing Songs about HIV.
But now, Ana Maria is helping others. She gives talks in the Local Language and in Portuguese, Mainly for the Women who are more timid.
Now, My neighbours Come to my house, they even borrow salt from me.
I'm Alive πππ copied Assumpta Kalayor
